“I baptise you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and the Holy Spirit!” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, No. 1240). On May 22nd, these words were heard for the first time in the Church of Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles (Paris, 1er), and then for the second time. David and Véronique, a married couple from the street, had just joined the family of God’s children! The faces of the congregation were filled with joy at experiencing this unique and sacred moment with the two newly baptised, surrounded by loved ones, as well as employees, volunteers, and people welcomed by the association Aux captifs, la libération, who had gathered for this extraordinary street prayer.
Father Arnaud Bancon, parish priest and chaplain of the association “Aux captifs, la libération,” had invited Monsignor Emmanuel Tois to celebrate the baptism of David and Véronique. This event has revitalised the Paris Centre branch, which is linked to the parish of Saint-Leu-Saint-Gilles and has been supporting people in extremely precarious situations since 1983.
VERONIQUE AND DAVID have been involved with this organisation for many years, helping homeless people with their correspondence and administrative matters. On multiple occasions, David requested to be baptised: “I want to return to the holy Lord.” His initial request went unanswered, so we decided together with David to meet with the parish priest. David explained that his girlfriend, Véronique, also wanted to do the same.
Both are experiencing deep suffering with very turbulent lives. How can they undergo catechumenate in the diocese, its content, and the rhythm of participants from different backgrounds? Mgr TOIS, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese, understands our concerns and trusts us in our proposal to undergo accompaniment on site.
“For prisoners, liberation,” we hold a monthly prayer service on the street. On this occasion, we invite people to participate in these services as preparation for baptism, to go through the stages of baptism. At each stage, all participants on the street play a role in the preparation. Examples include the recitation of the creed, the cross, the Lord’s Prayer, the light…
I give this opportunity to candidates for baptism and to those who have prepared for this step.
David’s Testimony
I am requesting baptism; this is the time, and I have long desired it. I am not one to speak much, but for me, this is like renewal and forgiveness. Moving forward and forgetting everything—no, never forgetting—but a new birth and forgiveness. In my life, I have done evil, very evil, but now I am clean as a human being. Today, I know that I depend on HIM (he looks up at the sky and raises his finger).
Véronique’s Testimony
I have long desired to be baptised. I have a very close relationship with God; I feel His presence deep within my heart throughout my life. I lost my mother, and I felt as though I had fallen into the deepest abyss. He was there and said to me, “Do not fear, I am with you.” I felt an immeasurable strength in my heart and mind. I am not alone, but stronger; I feel accompanied by something greater than myself—greater than pain, sorrow, grief, anger, hatred, confusion, despair, and fear. I think deeply about God, and He drives away my negative thoughts, which fade away like darkness.
Jesus is within each of us; He will always be with us for eternity, and it is enough to remember that. I think of my mother, who is the one who made me want to be baptised. She wanted it, and I am sure she is very happy today. Thank you to Bishop Emmanuel, my dear friends, who are here today.
Thanks to the captives, the Parish of Saint Leu, they have been welcomed us without judgment, without criticism. We are turbulent people. These places welcome isolated people, people who suffer. All kinds of suffering are welcomed with open arms. We have no family, but here we have found a family again. Thank you. May God bless you!
Sister Solange’s Testimony
You have names found in the Bible. And soon, through your baptism, you will be confirmed with both of your names. David, in the Old Testament, King David, chosen by God, shows that a man is never abandoned when carrying out the task entrusted to him. Veronique, in the Gospels, a woman who followed Jesus, dared to stop the guards during the Stations of the Cross to wash her face.
How beautiful your call is!
I am happy to share with you during your preparation for BAPTISM. I have witnessed your search for Jesus Christ, the faith that has long been present in your lives, with prayer as an important part of your difficult moments.
I remember some of the words you shared
“I love Psalm 26 and pray with it during difficult times. I feel that God makes me stronger; it is strength and faith amid hardship.”
“For me, everything is in my heart. I know God is there. I don’t know how to speak; I was never taught. On the streets, people don’t communicate.”
“Baptism will give us deep and unshakable love; otherwise, we are like empty vessels.”
“God’s love is stronger than human love; it is God who gives us life.”
Véronique and David, you have chosen texts, songs, and explained the meaning of your decision: to receive baptism. You have placed a strong emphasis on God’s love and the love of our fellow brothers and sisters. The need to live a new life after suffering and hardship.
You have expressed that you have been welcomed into a family: the Church of Saint Leu, “Les captifs.” You have suffered from the lack of a family: know today that this family loves you. You have a worthy place here.
Thank you, David and Véronique. In this preparation, you have taught me to pay attention to your daily life, your questions, your search, your desires, and your doubts. I have learned to take the path of simplicity in my relationship with God, with you, with all brothers and sisters, and to listen to you. Thank you for your trust and friendship.
